Championship leaders Hull City will look to cement their place at the top with a win over struggling Bristol City this weekend.
The Tigers travel to Ashton Gate seeking a sixth consecutive victory, but they face a Robins side who have only failed to score in two of their last eight games.
Bristol City
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Some Bristol City fans may not be looking forward to the visit of the division's in-form team to Ashton Gate, but Elliott Bennett has suggested that facing Hull could represent an opportunity.
The Norwich loanee reckons that there is "no better opposition" to play than the Championship pace-setters and has claimed that the side from the West Country have "nothing to lose" heading into Saturday's game.
If City do beat the Tigers, then Steve Cotterill could see his team put more daylight between themselves and the relegation zone.
It would also represent a third win in four home games, having beaten Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers in recent weeks.
The Robins also boast a solid strikeforce, who have scored 17 times this season – the same number as promotion-chasing Cardiff City.
However, their biggest problem continues to be their defence, having conceded 26 goals in 16 games this term.
Recent form: WLDLWD
Hull City
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After his team's 3-0 victory over promotion rivals Middlesbrough, Hull boss Steve Bruce refused to get carried away with their promising start to the season.
Nevertheless, the Tigers find themselves level on points with Brighton & Hove Albion and are currently in the midst of a five-match winning streak.
Hull's form can be largely attributed to strength in attack and defence, with the Tigers having conceded the fewest of any side in the division, while scoring 26 goals in 16 outings.
However, the Humberside outfit suffered a setback when David Meyler was ruled out for eight weeks with a knee injury, picked up while playing for the Republic of Ireland.
Bruce's squad could be further depleted by January, if Bournemouth follow up on their reported interest in defender Curtis Davies.
On a positive note, however, Robert Snodgrass returned to action for the Under-21s last week, after a 15-month injury absence.
Recent form: DWWWWW
Recent form (all competitions): WWDWWW
Team News
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Cotterill has said that forward Jonathan Kodjia seems okay, despite being in Paris last weekend when the city was rocked by terrorist atrocities.
If the former Angers frontman is selected, he could partner Aaron Wilbraham up top, although Kieran Agard is another possible option.
The club have also confirmed that Scott Wagstaff is back to full fitness, but whether a starting place is a possibility remains to be seen.
As mentioned, Meyler will be out of action until the New Year after his knee ligament injury, with Tom Huddlestone amongst those in line to replace him.
Alex Bruce missed the trip to Middlesbrough, but could be back in action after a groin problem.
Bristol City possible starting lineup:
Fielding; Bennett, Ayling, Flint, Baker; Williams, Smith, Pack, Freeman; Wilbraham, Kodjia
Hull City possible starting lineup:
McGregor; Odubajo, Dawson, Maguire, Robertson; Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Livermore, Clucas, Diame; Hernandez
Head To Head
Generally, the Robins have had the better of previous encounters with Hull, winning 32 of the 79 clashes. However, in recent meetings it is the Tigers who have come out on top.
Of the last eight matches, Bristol City have won twice, including a 3-0 win in May 2011, featuring a clean sheet from former England international David James.
Hull have picked up four victories in that time, with the most notable coming in the 2008 Championship playoff final,
We say: Bristol City 1-2 Hull City
City are eager to give the leaders a stern test and believe that they have nothing to lose. However, Hull's recent form has shown no signs of stopping and, despite the international break, the Tigers would be expected to continue that run.
Chris O'Keefe
